RIDGELAND, MISS. – Cal-Maine Foods Inc. announced that Sherman L. Miller would become the egg producer’s president and chief executive officer effective Sept. 30.

Miller will take over for Dolph Baker who remains on at Cal-Maine as chairman for the board of directors. The company said Baker will remain actively involved, focusing on strategy, capital allocation, and advising senior management.

“Sherman has dedicated his entire career to Cal-Maine Foods and is extremely well qualified for this leadership position, having the right complement of operational experience and strategic vision,” Baker said. “He has been a proven leader in managing our operations through the various market cycles that are characteristic of our industry. Under his leadership, the company has achieved tremendous growth, and he has the full confidence of the board that he is the right person to lead the company forward.”

Miller started with Cal-Maine in 1996 and served in various management positions at the company’s Chase, Kan., Delta, Utah and Edwards, Miss., processing plants. 

He previously served as vice president of operations in 2007. By 2018, Miller was named president and has served as chief operating officer since 2011. He has served as a board of directors member for a decade.

Miller will retain the role of COO until a successor is hired. 

“I am proud and honored to assume this role with Cal-Maine Foods,” Miller said. “Dolph has been a tremendous leader and mentor, and we will continue to benefit from his valuable insight and deep knowledge of the company. He has established Cal-Maine Foods as a leader in our industry, and we will continue to work together and build upon this proud legacy and history of success.”

Along with his work at Cal Maine, Miller serves as a director of the US Poultry and Egg Association and United Egg Producers, and past director of the American Feed Industry Association. 

He graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s degree in poultry science.